Image: Russell Colvin.

American Nicky Hayden wants the ‘double’ – a World Superbike title to sit alongside the MotoGP trophy he won in such exhilarating circumstances in 2006.

And the crusade officially begins next week when the ‘Kentucky Kid’ joins the Dutch-based Ten Kate Honda team in Spain to begin testing the CBR1000R SP he’ll race in the 2016 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship, with the first round to take place at Victoria’s Phillip Island from 26-28 February.

Hayden is one of the highest profile racers to make the switch from MotoGP to the production-based WSBK title, and at 34 years old he still has a burning ambition to succeed at world championship level.

“I still enjoy riding motorcycles and the challenge of becoming the first rider to win both titles appeals to me,” said Hayden at the recent Phillip Island MotoGP round. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, notwithstanding that the competition is going to be no easier than here.

“However I am not getting ahead of myself. I have to get to the first test and see what the Honda is like before I say too much. I know the team has some ideas on what it wants to do with the engine and electronics, but until I get there and understand where I need to improve with that bike it’s all speculation.

“And as far as rumours about an all-new bike for 2017, Honda’s definitely got the technology, so there’s no reason why it can’t happen. But I need to focus on 2016 first and trust that HRC is going to come up with a weapon.”

Not only will Hayden be racing a production-based bike for the first time since he won the American Superbike title in 2002, his opposition will also present a new frontier.

“There might be one or two riders on the grid that have raced before; I know Johnny Rea for one did a couple of wildcards in MotoGP,” said Hayden. “But until I line up with the new guys I won’t know my full potential, but it’s a world championship so there will be stiff competition. Either way, I am really looking forward to joining the paddock and getting to know those guys.”

Hayden replaces Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli in Honda’s factory team and his teammate will be Dutchman Michael van der Mark. The pair will begin testing at Aragon on 16-17 November alongside the factory teams from Ducati and Yamaha. The pre-season then continues at Jerez on 25-27 November before the teams go into recess during December and most of January.

Hayden wound up his 13-year MotoGP career at Valencia last Sunday. Over the journey, he raced Hondas for eight years (six in the factory team) and Ducatis for five years, with the obvious highlight being the 2006 title after he erased a points deficit to Valentino Rossi in the final round.

“Winning the world championship was something special, something different,” said Hayden. “That was the one I wanted, that was the goal. Winning my home two GPs at Laguna Seca were also wonderful experiences when I was in MotoGP and going back to Laguna Seca in WorldSBK mode will be special – it’s my favourite track in the world. I just love the layout and the atmosphere. Of course, I would have liked more highlights in MotoGP, but I got the one I really wanted.”

Tickets to Phillip Island’s season opener are super-affordable with a three-day pass $115 purchased in advance and on circuit camping at $100 for four nights. Children 15 and under are free. To purchase tickets and camping to the 2016 Phillip Island Superbike World Championship on 26-28 February, go to www.ticketek.com.au or go to www.worldsbk.com.au for further information.